The Little Black Mountain Rock Art Site contains some outstanding petroglyphs, representing 6,000 years of human habitation and use. The site has over 500 individual rock-art designs and elements on boulders surrounding the base of a 500-foot mesa. The different designs are associated with the cultures of the Great Basin, Western Anasazi, and Lower Colorado River. Some of the representations of turtles, lizards, and bear paws may be symbols with social or religious meanings that are now lost to us. Some interpretive panels are located on site.

LocationLittle Black Mountain Rock Art Site is in northwestern Arizona due south of St. George, Utah.

Access

The site is 10 miles southeast of St. George, Utah. From St. George, travel south on Interstate 15 to Southern Parkway. Travel east on Southern Parkway for three miles to the River Road Exit, which is located at the Utah-Arizona state line. Take Quail Hill Road (BLM Road 1069) one-quarter mile south from the Utah-Arizona state line, turn left (east) and follow the signs 4.5 miles to the site.

Visitor Activities

Picnicking and sightseeing. Little Black Mountain Rock Art Site has a trail which is a half-mile, easy hike designed to see most of the rock art on site. The surfaced trail winds its way over the rust-colored soils of the Moenkopi Formation through the Little Black Mountain Rock Art Site. The trail provides access to petroglyph viewing areas and platforms overlooking hundreds of rock art designs.

Special Features

Special features include an extensive petroglyph site, created by the Western Anasazi, Great Basin, and Lower Colorado River natives at the base of dark red colored cliffs. The site contains at least one winter solstice alignment that can be viewed at sunrise on December 21 when the rising sun shoots through a crevice in the rocks and crosses a circular glyph.

Permits, Fees, Limitations

Permits and fees are not required. Water is not available at the site.

Accessibility

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is not needed, although a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Site can be accessible by wheelchair although on steep, gravel trail. to access the site. The site can be accessed year-round except after heavy rains.

Camping and Lodging

Dispersed camping is available on surrounding public land in the Mojave Desert of the St. George Basin. Lodging can be found in St. George, Utah.

Food and Supplies

Available in St. George, Utah.

First Aid

No first aid available on site. The nearest medical care is available in St. George, Utah approximately 40 minutes from the site.